DENVER — For the third time in as many years, the Valor Christian Eagles are the kings of the diamond.
On Wednesday, Valor defeated Pueblo West 5-1 to clinch its third straight 4A state baseball championship. The Eagles defeated Evergreen for the 4A crown in 2017, and Pueblo West (again) in 2016.
The success of the game hinged on an outstanding third inning. All five of Valor's runs came in that inning, led by a home run from senior Brady Buehler. Seniors Luke Ziegler and Calvin Schonebaum also contributed one and two RBI, respectively.
On the mound, freshman Radek Birkholz threw more like a seasoned pitcher. Birkholz held the Cyclones hitless (and scoreless) through six innings, and finished with nine strikeouts and one hit against. He pitched all seven innings of the 4A state championship game.
As it had been in their three previous trips to the title game, the Eagles did not take the easy path to the championship. Valor had to defeat Windsor in Tuesday's semifinal game to advance to the final day of play. Earlier Wednesday, they had to get past Cheyenne Mountain for a chance to play in the finals. Valor Christian did that in dominating fashion, putting up the 10-run rule on the Indians, winning 15-5.
Check back for extended highlights from the 2018 4A baseball state championship game.
